KINGSTON WARRIORS 52 WORCESTERSHIRE SAINTS 16

FOR the second game in succession Worcestershire Saints conceded 50 points but can look back at an encouraging performance from a side, which contained four 18-year-old players all of whom were making their debut.

On a hard and bumpy pitch it was the Saints who made the early running and it was no surprise when Richard Whitehouse gave the visitors a fourth minute lead with an unconverted try.

Kingston replied with a converted try six minutes later to edge in front by two points.

Then Francois Helmer put the Saints back in front with a converted try.

Kingston then drew level with an unconverted try and three minutes later pulled further ahead with a converted try.

Neil Gulliver then crossed the line, Whitehouse converted and the Saints were level again.

With the half time interval approaching the home team scored what was to be the crucial try of the match to snatch a half time lead of 20 points to 16.

Encouraged by the late first half try the Warriors quickly took full control of the match and scored two converted tries within five minutes of the restart to lead by 34-16.

The Saints briefly raised their game but with so many inexperienced players in the side it was always going to be an uphill struggle and it was no surprise when the Warriors moved further ahead with try after 18 minutes.

With the Saints visibly tiring the home team ran in three further tries one of which was converted to claim victory by 52 points to 16.

The Saints can look back to an first half performance in which they matched the home team try for try but on four separate occasions basic errors lost them possession and allowed the Warriors to score.

If the Saints had reached half time in the lead the result might have been different.

Scorers were: Richard Whitehouse 1 try 2 conversions; Francios Helmer 1 try, Neil Gulliver 1 try.